The warm breeze blows
Blonde hair from the little girl beside me tickles my cheek
Bare toes wiggle, glad for the freedom
I think of the first time I ever saw those toes
And how I counted them over and over again

Contented quietness surrounds us
Due in part to the eagerness to consume sweet, milky goodness
Ice cream kisses are given at intervals from the one who can't sit still
Dancing to the tune of the neighbor's guitar
As if this moment had a sound track

Knobbly knees stick out, covered in dirt
(When did all the baby fat disappear?!)
Legs bent in that perfect cross legged way
Her shoulder is pressed against mine
In the most familiar and trusting of gestures

My other inheritance watches intently
Sparkling eyes peeking out over the top of her sunny day treat
Following, internalizing, absorbing
Learning the rhythm and rhyme of relationship
Waiting until it can be tested in her own unique style

Bits of chocolate drop to the deck floor
Only to be snapped up and enjoyed
Five second rules don't exist yet
Because there is nothing to fear
No reason for worry

Cones are tapped together
An exuberant 'Cheers!'
Repeated over and over again
Such is the overflow of the happiness that fills them
Easily found and quickly displayed

Giggles break out when a reflection is spotted
Sticky faces laugh at the sight they find in the basement window
There is joy in what they see
Full acceptance of all that they are
Golden curls and blue-eyed shine

A spider appears
Curiousity rises as heads are dipped down low, searching
In the background, anxiety is kept in check
Ever guarding
Protecting from the incongruency of adulthood

But sit and watch and see
In this peaceful, treasured oasis
All these things are tucked away in a mother's heart
The way they were meant to be
Sacred and secure

Every thing that has been left undone
All the wondering of how it will all work out
Each concern of all that I lack
And the ways that I fail
Disappear

In these slow and precious moments
My life is perfect
And my heart is full
This is my adventure
This is my joy
Knowing
I'm exacly where I'm supposed to be

I come across all kinds of great ideas when browsing through the blogosphere. Some I use, some I don't because we either just don't have enough time to fit everything in or its just a little too advanced for my kids. But I thought I'd share with you some of the great Easter activities that I've found! Perhaps there will be something there that you can use to add to the joy of this upcoming holiday!

Wooden Peg People - I cannot wait until the girls are old enough to make these themselves! Since they obviously are not specifically an Easter craft, I may attempt to make a few myself for them to play with should I manage to find the time. I just think they are so darn cute! Oh, and making a miniture playscape for them to live in would just be the icing on the cake!

Jelly Bean Prayer - this is something I hope to implement this year by adding a bag of jellybeans to their Easter baskets with the poem. I'd like to make this an Easter tradition.

Homemade Creme Eggs - I wanted so desparately to make these this year but for the life of me, could not find small enough egg molds! So I'm tucking this one away for next year and hoping I will remember to find some molds online far enough in advance!

Wax Painting Easter Eggs - This is one of those activities I've placed on the back burner til the girlies are older! These eggs are so bright and colorful though! I can't help but love them!

Hill of Calvery - Despite the fact I came across this one in enough time to accomplish it, I just felt like it was way too much work for this year. Especially when I considered that the grass would likely be pulled out in a matter of minutes and the little crosses used as a teether when my back was turned. Yep, this one is going on the "when they're older" list!

The Way Of Light Wreath - Pretty much the coolest thing ever.

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs - We are doing this one! Or we're going to try, at least! I'll let you know how it goes!

Resurrection Eggs - This is another activity that we plan on implementing as part of our Easter morning. These are the eggs we are going to hide for the kids, then tell the Easter story as they open them!

Resurrection Cookies - I'm debating trying this one. I love the idea but anything that directs me to "beat egg whites into stiff peaks" usually fails when I'm in the kitchen. As well, considering that baking with littles can be a bit of a gong show, I can imagine that the goal of sharing the story of Jesus death and resurrection will get lost in the mayhem. SO, Resurrection Rolls are more likely the route we will take! ( They had me at refrigerated crescent dinner rolls! )

Easter File Folder Game - Piper and I so enjoy file folder games, I'm sure going to try to get this one together at least in time for the weekend!

Farm Fresh Eggs - Simply adorable!

Birch Bark Basket - This makes me smile. Someday....

Silk Dyed Eggs - These eggs are the prettiest I have ever seen! I was half tempted to sit and do these myself some night but lately cozying up on the couch with a blanket and a good book have been far too alluring! But I'm pretty sure that next Easter should include a girls night where we make these and hang them like this!

Wow! I had way more to share than I realized! I hope some of it inspires you! Tell me if you give one of these things a try! I love to hear of what worked well and what didn't, what your favorite idea was or of fun Easter related activities I didn't share!

Have a wonderful Easter, everyone!